Arsenal are among three powerful Premier League sides showing 'strong interest' in an RB Salzburg playmaker whose arrival would help both Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino, according to a report.

The Gunners dropped points when losing 2-0 to Bournemouth on Saturday. William Saliba's red card has hoovered up most of the headlines, though it's important to note Arsenal offered very little threat going forward prior to the centre-back's dismissal.

In the continued injury absence of creator-in-chief Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino was tasked with playing as the most advanced midfielder.

The Spaniard laboured in the role, misplacing 11 of his 35 attempted passes. Merino also struggled with the pressing duties demanded in the Odegaard role, losing six of 10 ground duels and being dribbled past four times.

According to a fresh update from Caught Offside, Arsenal are sizing up RB Salzburg's 20-year-old playmaker Oscar Gloukh.

The Israel international has provided seven goal contributions in seven matches in the Austrian Bundesliga this term and would not only provide adequate cover for Odegaard if signed, but allow Merino to play in a more familiar deeper role.

Gloukh is reportedly valued by Salzburg at EUR35m (PS29.2m / $38m). Aside from Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle are also said to be showing 'strong interest' in Gloukh.

Oscar Gloukh ready for Premier League switch Mikel Arteta can call upon the ultra-talented Ethan Nwaneri to deputise for Odegaard when required.

However, it was perhaps telling that Arteta went with Merino out of position rather than the 17-year-old against Bournemouth. At such a young age, Arteta may be hesitant to put too much faith in the starlet just yet.

Gloukh is only 20 years of age, though has already racked up over 100 senior appearances at club level. He's also been a regular starter for the vast bulk of his tenure in Austria following his EUR7m switch from Maccabi Tel Aviv in January of 2023.

Caught Offside noted Gloukh is 'open' to moving to the Premier League and while Salzburg aren't pushing him out, they would entertain a January sale for the right price. That price, as mentioned, is roughly EUR35m.

Spanish giant Barcelona attempted to sign Gloukh at the time of his switch to Salzburg. Fabrizio Romano revealed Benfica, Udinese, and Borussia Dortmund also hovered, though Gloukh chose the tried and trusted development path that comes with joining a Red Bull side.

Fast forward nearly two years and the time may soon be coming for Gloukh to take the next step in his career.

Latest Arsenal transfer news In other news, Arsenal are among a host of Premier League sides who've been 'offered' the chance to sign Randal Kolo Muani.

The PSG striker is surplus to requirements under Luis Enrique and loan opportunities in January are being explored.

Elsewhere, Man Utd are 'moving' for Gunners striker target Benjamin Sesko. Arsenal attempted to sign the RB Leipzig hotshot last summer, though Sesko chose to remain and sign a new contract.

Finally, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has debunked the conspiracy theory that PGMOL head Howard Webb somehow interfered in the decision to send Saliba off.

The Times has since stated Webb - who was shown in the stands wearing an earpiece - was simply listening in on VAR's assessment of the situation, though did not intervene in any way.

TIMELINE - Oscar Gloukh's rapid rise By Nathan Egerton

August 2021 - At the age of 17 years and 129 days, Gloukh made his senior debut for Maccabi Tel Aviv against Hapoel Jerusalem in the Israeli Toto Cup. April 2022 - He made his Israeli Premier League debut against rivals Maccabi Haifa and scored his first senior goal in a 1-1 draw. June 2022 - The midfielder represented Israel at the 2022 UEFA European Under-19 Championship and registered three goals and two assists in five appearances. He was named in the Team of the Tournament and his goal in the 3-1 defeat to England in the final won the Goal of the Tournament award. November 2022 - Gloukh came off the bench to make his senior debut for Israel in a 4-2 win over Zambia and then marked his first start with a goal against Cyprus. January 2023 - Red Bull Salzburg fought off competition from Barcelona to sign him in a EUR7million deal. "I was very excited that (Barcelona) wanted me, but they were late for the bidding and came back when we had already closed the Salzburg deal," he said. "In the end, I think we made the right decision to go to Salzburg and not to Barcelona. It makes more sense for my development as a player." April 2023 - He scored his first goal for Red Bull Salzburg in a 3-0 Austrian Bundesliga victory over Klagenfurt. July 2023 - Gloukh registered two assists at the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship as Israel reached the semi-finals. September 2023 - He made his Champions League debut against Benfica and scored their second goal in a 2-0 win in Portugal. The goal made him the youngest Israeli scorer in the Champions League at the age of 19 years and five months. July 2024 - The 20-year-old made three appearances for Israel at the 2024 Olympics and scored in a 4-2 defeat against Paraguay.